The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a limited-production grand tourer that was produced from 2003 to 2010. It was a collaboration between Daimler AG (parent company of Mercedes-Benz) and McLaren Automotive.
Design:
The SLR McLaren's design was penned by Peter Stevens, a renowned automotive designer who worked at McLaren at the time. The car's body is based on a mix of aluminum and carbon fiber, with a focus on aerodynamics and weight reduction. Its sleek, wedge-shaped profile features a long hood, a short rear deck, and a distinctive gull-wing door design.
Specifications:
- Engine: A 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine was used in the SLR McLaren, producing 621 horsepower (463 kW) at 6,700 rpm and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque at 4,000-6,700 rpm.
- Transmission: The car featured a 5-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting and paddle-shifters for manual gear changes.
- Performance:
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.8 seconds
- Top speed: 217 mph (349 km/h)
- Quarter-mile time: 11.7 seconds
- Weight: Approximately 1,755 kg (3,866 lbs) with a curb weight of around 1,550 kg (3,417 lbs).
Interior and Features:
Inside the SLR McLaren, occupants were treated to a luxurious interior featuring premium materials such as leather, wood, and metal trim. Key features included:
- A 9-speaker Burmester surround sound system
- A heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
- An infotainment system with navigation
Safety Features:
- Anti-lock braking (ABS)
- Electronic stability program (ESP)
- Brake assist
- Side and curtain airbags
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was available in a range of colors, including some unique hues developed specifically for the model. It also featured an exclusive paint finish called "Diamond Black Pearl" and a hand-finished interior.
Production:
Only 3,500 units were produced during its production run from 2003 to 2010.